WARRINGTON Borough Council will extend a £297,000-a-year contract which provides supported housing for single adults at risk of homelessness at James Lee House.

The executive board unanimously agreed to award the new contract, including direct access provision, for the council-owned site, on Brick Street, at its meeting on Monday.

James Lee House, which is managed and run by the Salvation Army, provides 54 units of accommodation for men and up to eight women.

The new agreement is for a period twelve months until March 31 next year, with the option to extend for a further six months.

The value of the proposed contract remains at £297,000 per year – the same as the current arrangement.

If the additional six month contract option is actioned, the total value will be £445,500.

Cllr Maureen McLaughlin, executive board member for public health and wellbeing, feared that not awarding the contract would present a 'significant problem'.

Cllr Hitesh Patel, executive board member for personnel and communications, said the site's 'holistic approach' prevents people 'falling back into the cycle of homelessness again'.

He added: "It is a significant investment by this administration.

"The support we give to homeless people is something which is sometimes misrepresented.

"The service provided by the Salvation Army is really well regarded."